A. Copper-colored medal with relief image of Thaddeus Stevens 1792-1868 on one side and "Champion of Free Schools Friend of the Poor and Down-Trodden" on the other.
B. Enclosed in a green velvet box with an American eagle in gold set into lower right hand corner.
C. Cardboard sleeve with gold ink circle on top stamped: "Treasury/ United States Mint."
Bronze-colored metal coin. Face: Head of Thaddeus Stevens with his name and years "1792" and "1868." Interior border of tiny dentals around circumference of coin on both sides.
Reverse: Torch, top center; beribboned curved bough with leaves and berries on lower left. "1792 to 1868 / Champion of the Free Schools, Friend of the Poor and Downtrodden"
Studio tintype photo of Civil War soldier, full length, holding his rifle.
Sticker on back reads: "Zaloudek 10-28-72" (original date of donation). Handwriting on back in faint pencil is: "Benjamin McComsey 61 to 65."
Benjamin McComsey volunteered to serve in the Civil War. He was killed Nov. 7, 1862 in Berlin, MD. This item transferred to Objects collection from Archives. See Notes for typed biographical info.
This item transferred to Objects collection from Archives. Accompanying this tintype is a perforated paper bookmark with cross-stitched "A Present for Bennie." Typed biographical info is:
"This is the chief treasure of the McComsey family. Young son Benjamin volunteered to serve in the Civil War, and these letters (In Archives) tell the story of the remainder of his life.
Benjamin was the son of William McComsey, who was City Treasurer of Lanc. in the late 1880's. A descendant of Mathias McComsey, who was born in Manor Township in 1787. Benjamin's mother was Mary Dorwart, daughter of Henry, a tailor in Lancaster.
Benjamin died Nov. 7, 1862 in Berlin, Md. in the 18th year of his life. He is buried in the McComsey plot at Lancaster Cemetery."
Additional items given by this donor are 1972.026.1-.5. This includes a wedding hat, pair of lady's snow glasses and three shawls.
